The BioWare forums are being flooded with fan outcry over non-working downloadable content codes, Cerberus Network congestion, and helmet issues. If you've got problems, we have a few solutions, courtesy of BioWare's Chris Priestly.

The gaming masses attempting to take their first steps in Mass Effect 2 for the Xbox 360 and PC today have run into several issues with the game, mainly surrounding the downloadable content offered via the Cerberus Network, BioWare's in-game DLC delivery system. The Cerberus Network is a nifty way for Mass Effect players to access downloadable content without taking themselves out of the game, but right now it looks like more trouble than it's worth.

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Players are reporting non-working GameStop Cerberus access codes, problems activating the network once they've entered their codes, and, in the case of the PC version, issues connecting to the network at all.

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Chris Priestly has addressed many of these issues in a helpful message, recently posted on the BioWare forums. We've posted Priestly's helpful suggestions for those having issues below, as the forums are likely to explode if this keeps up.

One issue brought to our attention is not addressed in the forum topic, mainly because there isn't much that can be done about it. Some fans are outraged over the fact that the special armors in the game do not feature removable helmets. The situation is getting particularly heated in this forum thread, sent to us by Kotakuite Dorikin, in which players call for the termination of whoever made the decision to not include a helmet toggle feature.

Having watched my Shepard down several alien drinks directly into her Blood Dragon helmet, I suppose I can see their point.

While this is an important issue to some, I'd say we should let BioWare concentrate on getting the DLC working first. After that's out of the way, maybe we can do something about helmet removal, after which we can rally against the company for not including helmet hair.

Thanks to everyone who sent in tips about this issue. Hope this helps!

How can you tell if you are Cerberus Enabled:
When you start Mass Effect 2, there are two computers on the main menu. The computer on the right hand side of the screen should be open. If it is not then check to see that you've entered your Cerberus Code in the account creation screens located in game.

PC Collector's Edition Issues :
We're aware that some PC Collectors' Edition Cerberus Codes are not working. If you have the number 1688108 on the bottom right of your Cerberus Network card and have not associated it to your EA Online account at 4:00 PM PST your codes will be fully functional. If you already have associated it to your EA Online account at 6:00 PM PST you can restart the game and your Cerberus Account will be available automatically!

Zaeed :
Some of you may be looking for Zaeed as a way to check your Cerberus Account. Zaeed is being propagated to Xbox Live as we speak and will be available mid day tomorrow (MST).

Timeouts:
Some users are reporting timeouts or connection drops to Cerberus Network. We are actively pursuing a fix to this and will update everyone once it is fixed on the server-side.

General Cerberus Issues:
If you've entered your Cerberus Activation Code through the web interface and have played other EA Games with EA Online accounts but are not seeing the Cerberus Mission Computer open on the main menu. You'll need to contact EA's Customer service line to ensure that the Gamer Tag in Xbox Live is associated with your EA Online account you've used to activate Cerberus.

Code Redemption Clarification and Important information about your Social.bioware.com and Xbox Live account

****Make sure that your account that you are using on social.bioware.com is linked to your gamertag****

How to Redeem and activate Cerberus

Xbox In-Game Redemption:

o Start the game
o Cerberus Connection will automatically prompt
o Sign in with your existing account or create a new account
o When prompted enter Cerberus code
o The Cerberus laptop will open on screen and display the available downloads

Xbox Online Redemption

o Go to the Code Redemption page here: http://social.bioware.com/redeem/
o Sign in with your existing account or create a new account (make sure to sign in using the exact same account on your xbox)
o Enter the Cerberus code
o Upon successful redemption restart your console and load the game

PC Online Redemption

o Go to the Code Redemption page here: http://social.bioware.com/redeem/
o Sign in with your existing account or create a new account (make sure to sign in using the exact same account that you used on social.bioware.com)
o Enter the Cerberus code
o Upon successful redemption load the game and login

How to Redeem and activate Gamestop Terminus Armor code

Xbox Online Redemption

o Go to the Code Redemption page here: http://social.bioware.com/redeem/
o Sign in with your existing account or create a new account (make sure to sign in using the exact same account on your xbox)
o Enter the Terminus code
o Upon successful redemption restart your console and load the game

PC Online Redemption

o Go to the Code Redemption page here: http://social.bioware.com/redeem/
o Sign in with your existing account or create a new account (make sure to sign in using the exact same account that you used on social.bioware.com)
o Enter the Cerberus code
o Upon successful redemption load the game and login
o Upon successful redemption right-click on the download link and save to your computer
o Install file
o Restart game

How to enable Mass Effect Galaxy dialog

Xbox
- You must play and finish the Mass Effect Galaxy iPhone game and log into your EA account to upload the unlock
- When playing Mass Effect 2 you must have Miranda and Jacob in your party to witness dialog

PC

- You must play and finish the Mass Effect Galaxy iPhone game and log into your EA account to upload the unlock
- When playing Mass Effect 2 you must have Miranda and Jacob in your party to witness dialog

As mentioned previously, when we have more information for you on these or otther issues, we will let you know.